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How many of you carry spare scopes in carry on baggage? TSA's regs says it is acceptable, but they also say other things that don't square with individual airlines' requirements.
Next trip, next month will be to South Africa, via United and SAA. Will be taking along two scopes, both in Warne QD mount setups. Any experience to share?
I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
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No can do.
Depending on the TSA agent, they will give you time to mail or send it to some one. Or is you elect to try and take it through they will take it.
Best if shipped with your rifle...
"Sorry don't get it done, Dude" John Wayne 1959
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I have carried scopes on domestic flights before.
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Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
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I have brought over at least a dozen scopes in carry on.
I agree it depends upon the TSA agent. Thats a wildcard today without any consistency of what the regulations are. It's also a bad place to have to have a debate. Time wise you better be ready to wait on the opinion of a supervisor that may be across the airport or off site.
The only time there was a momentary hesitation on the part of the TSA for me, I simply said, " It's no different then a telephoto lens for a camera" and the lady said Yes I suppose thats right.
www.huntingadventures.netAre you living your life, or just paying bills until you die? When you hit the pearly gates I want to be there just to see the massive pile of dead 5hit at your feet. ( John Peyton)
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Took 2 via SAA last time over. TSA was more interested in the new Dell Laptop than the scopes.
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I took an extra scope in quick detach rings with me in my carry on when I went to Zim in '07. Flew United to Dulles and SAA to Jberg. Perhaps things have changed since then, but I never had a problem with TSA or any airline. I suppose it would depend on how zealous the TSA guys wanted to be when you went through security.
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Scopes are just fine in your cary on but don't forget to add it to your 4457
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Scopes are just fine in your cary on but don't forget to add it to your 4457 Only if you're bringing it back
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Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
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I've done it but as JJ said it may depend on which TSA agent you get. After all, some of them won't accept a D.C. drivers license as ID. Government service seems to attract the lowest common denominator and airline counter personnel don't seem to be much better.
I am continually astounded at how quickly people make up their minds on little evidence or none at all. Jack O'Connor
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Print off the rules and always travel with a set
My wife even highlighted many of these in yellow.....we were lucky......no issues at all
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Scopes are just fine in your cary on but don't forget to add it to your 4457 Only if you're bringing it back 100% true I suggest you bring it back and DON'T gift it to your PH
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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There is so much confusion and ambiguity regarding "gun parts" that I always pack my extra scope in the gun case with the rifle. Binos and spotters go in the carry-on.
And.....I always carry copies of the TSA and airline regs with me. That said, it always boils down to the mood of the authority figure at the airport. You can argue for hours if you want to. You might even prevail.
Then guess whose gun case or checked bag WON'T arrive at its destination?
I was hoarding when hoarding wasn't cool.
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I carried on both my scopes, but of course it was politely pointed out to me that that was not allowed. However the agent was very nice and just suggested I check them next time. Next go round I'll probably just pack with the rifles.
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I don't know what the rules are. I have carried a scope with me in carry on through London. To me it is optics and not a gun part. Fortunately no one questioned it.
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NO. The TSA maroons consider it part of a firearm and they will have your ass in a wringer. DO NOT do it.
A good principle to guide me through life: “This is all I have come to expect, standard lackluster performance. Trust nothing, believe no one and realize it will only get worse…”
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Not sure about other countries or airline rules, but it isn't against TSA rules. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunitionRifle scopes are not prohibited in carry-on bags and do not need to be in the hard-sided, locked checked bag.
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Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Thanks for all the replies- Given the craziness and uncertainty surround air travel nowadays, think I'll play it safe- spare scope will go along in the rifle case. An argument with a TSA guy, and a missed flight as a result, just isn't worth the risk.
I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
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I've done it but as JJ said it may depend on which TSA agent you get. After all, some of them won't accept a D.C. drivers license as ID. Government service seems to attract the lowest common denominator and airline counter personnel don't seem to be much better. -Bob F.
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Both trips I've made, they were packed in the gun case. No problem, no issues.
maddog
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I've put a scope in my carry on bag before. The TSA agent said that while not illegal, it wasn't a good idea and suggested I avoid doing that in the future.
I think he gave me good advice and I plan on following it.
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Not worth the potential hassles. Pack them in your gun case and avoid the confusion. It most likely not the way you want to start your long travel day.
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If your rifle case is lost, an extra scope in your carry on won't be of much use. Put it in the hard case.
“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”. Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Posted by Brad.
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I would carry the scope in the rifle case.
On my recent trip, I used my Tuffpak. My binoculars and rangefinder and other hunting gear also rode in the Tuffpak.
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To be safe I have always packed my extra scopes with my rifles. I would hate for the TSA goons to confiscate or have to go through the hassle of getting my checked luggage back to repack.
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I'm assuming your concern is carrying the scope through screening in Africa. I didn't have any problems carrying a rifle scope in my carryon luggage in the U.S., it was in South Africa that it almost became a problem. The scope was a gift requested by a PH for a friend of mine already back in the States.
An x-ray operator screening my carryon luggage prior to my flight from J-burg to Eastern Cape went bug-eyed when she saw it on her screen. The other two screeners were busy with another passenger so I just mentioned to the x-ray operator that I attached it to one of my cameras that were also in the bag. She looked at me, shrugged, and let it go. I know that the other two screeners would have seized the scope and probably but me through everything including a full body search including body cavities. I won't do that again.
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I am curious. Why would you even WANT to carry your scope in your carry-on. I have never even removed my scope from the rifle in any of my trips. My guncases have always had room in them to accommodate a spare scope in a mailing tube with foam. Just curious ,don't wish to start a big discussion.
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In my case I wasn't carrying a gun case, I was transporting a rifle scope, and didn't want to put it in my checked luggage. I normally carry all my optics in my carry-on.
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Maybe I got lucky, but I took two scopes NIB to my PH in my baggage and I carried on my Binos and range finder. Had the binos and range finder both of which were on my 4457 and no one ask about them either way. They were only interested in my rifle serial number that it was the same one. What a goat rope going through all the customs and ag stuff there in Atlanta. Biggest issue was how long the lines took. Quicker and easier to get things through in Jo'berg.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
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